Alcohol’s diuretic effects work by decreasing the production of vasopressin. Reaching for hydrating beverages is the best way to alleviate a hangover’s unpleasant effects — but not every liquid fits this bill. “Essentially, when you’re dehydrated, you’ll feel alcohol’s effects sooner and for longer,” Pfau says. “Stronger alcohol might provoke more dehydration, but it truly has not been studied enough to know for sure,” she says, pointing to a 2017 study published in Nutrients. That paper summarizes that research into whether stronger alcohol is linked with increased dehydration is inconclusive.

Liquor tends to have a much higher alcohol content and significantly less liquid than other alcoholic drinks, which can contribute to dehydration. The best does alcohol dehydrate you way to rehydrate after drinking alcohol is to drink a lot of water. Beverages with electrolytes have also been found to be effective in rehydration.

Other risks of alcohol consumption

The reason you want a beverage that includes both is that when you sweat, your body is losing fluid, along with those electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride. To prevent dehydration, consuming adequate fluids and incorporating some hydrating foods into your eating plan is important. If you feel like you are consuming adequate fluids but are still experiencing symptoms of dehydration, reach out to your healthcare provider for a workup. Some people forget to drink when hungry, which can impact the amount of fluids they consume. Without proper fluid intake, your losses can exceed your intake, which can increase the risk of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance between fluid intake and fluid loss.

The best way to avoid alcohol dehydration is to avoid consuming alcohol entirely. However, if a person has a beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage, certain things can be done to avoid dehydration. Research from 2017 indicates that low levels of caffeine ingestion do not cause dehydration. Participants who consumed over 500 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily showed disruptions in fluid balance from the diuretic effects of coffee. Beer and cider have lower alcohol contents than other alcoholic drinks and are less dehydrating. The alcohol content of beer can vary widely but typically ranges from 2–8% alcohol by volume (ABV).

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They subtly reinforce our beliefs that alcohol equals good times and pleasure. If they have significant quantities of alcohol in their system, their heart may be under extra stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define exercise as physical activity to maintain or improve a person’s physical fitness. The activity involves planned, structured, and repetitive bodily movements in several ways, including many forms of physical training, organized sports, or recreational activities.

• It is important for a person to be aware of the signs and symptoms of alcohol-induced dehydration and the ways to avoid it.
• The good news is you can reduce these side effects with a game plan to replace the lost fluids.
• But leave the rehydration aids and electrolyte powders at the door; they’re not doing anything for you.
• Drinks that may result in dehydration can include alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary beverages.
• “Essentially, when you’re dehydrated, you’ll feel alcohol’s effects sooner and for longer,” Pfau says.
• This includes your brain, which is why you feel light-headed and loopy, and your judgment can be slightly impaired.
• “We’re seeing a huge decrease in athletic performance and fatigue that’s caused by the lack of hydration.”